Known as the city of sails, Auckland is built on a narrow strip of land surrounded by two harbours, dotted with 50 picturesque islands. In the centre, the iconic Sky Tower has views of Viaduct Harbour, which is full of superyachts and lined with bars and cafes.Volcanic cones, forest parks and stunning beaches are all within easy reach.
In downtown Auckland you can enjoy world-class dining, shopping, and sights. If you've a mind to explore, visit the island volcano of Rangitoto, or head to Waiheke, known as 'the island of wine' each are within a 40 minute ferry ride of your port.
The Bay of Islands, a stunning archipelago encompassing 144 islands and including the boutique towns of Opua, Paihia, Russell and Kerikeri, is famed for its turquoise waters and rich Māori history. Take a boat tour to explore the iconic Hole in the Rock or spot dolphins. Visit Russell, a picturesque town with colonial history, or the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, where New Zealand’s founding document was signed. Your ship will anchor in the bay, just off Russell, and you'll tender ashore.
From the popular beaches of Tauranga, where Mount Maunganui towers over calm Bay of Plenty waters, travel to a wonderland of geothermal oddities and the center of Maori heritage in Rotorua. Walk among the dramatic geysers, bubbling mud and verdant native bush of Te Puia before visiting a re-creation of an early Maori village and a kiwi conservation center.
Head south of Rotorua to hike through majestic redwoods in Whakarewarewa Forest or perhaps travel to the Waikato region, where the well-preserved Shire at the Hobbiton Movie Set is a dream come true for fans of Peter Jackson’s film adaptations of JRR Tolkien’s beloved novels.
The twin cities of Napier and Hastings, located within the region of Hawke's Bay on the East Coast of New Zealand's North Island, are unique. The area is blessed with a Californian-Mediterranean climate, boasting one of the highest sunshine averages in the country. The area is also dotted with colorful vineyards and orchards, with some of the most fertile farmland you will see. Within the region are more than twenty of New Zealand's finest vineyards.
Excursion Highlights:
Nestled between a picturesque harbour and forest clad hills, Wellington boasts museums, galleries, boutique shopping, trendy cafés and fine restaurants.
The National Museum of Te Papa is a favourite among visitors and locals alike.
Wellington's compact size makes it easy to walk around and its proximity to the ocean and native forests makes it an ideal place to enjoy nature. It's no surprise Lonely Planet labelled Wellington “the coolest little capital in the world”.
Christchurch is known as NZ's "Garden City," boasting an array of lush parks and gardens - take the opportunity to visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where you can explore a diverse range of plant species. A short walk away, the Canterbury Museum offers fascinating exhibits on the region's natural and cultural history.
For a unique perspective, take a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, providing panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the city's innovative architecture, such as the Cardboard Cathedral, a symbol of resilience and creativity following the 2011 earthquake. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Re:Start Mall, a shopping area built from colorful shipping containers.
Lyttelton Cruise Port is located about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Christchurch's city centre which takes around 20 minutes.
Dunedin offers a blend of Scottish heritage and rich wildlife. Explore the historic Larnach Castle, the only castle in New Zealand, or take a stroll through the vibrant Otago University campus. The nearby Otago Peninsula is famous for its rare yellow-eyed penguins and albatross colonies, providing nature lovers with unforgettable wildlife encounters against dramatic coastal landscapes. Ships dock at Port Chalmers, located 15 km (9 miles) from the city.
Steep cliffs that have been carved over centuries by dozens of waterfalls surround the largest and most complex of the many fjords along the New Zealand coast, Dusky Sound.
Stunning scenery that bathes in “Lord of the Rings” grandeur, Dusky Sound is an important ornithological area too with a wealth of birdlife to be found here and a breeding site for Fiordland Penguins.
This untouched region is also home to a wide range of sea life, as the fresh and salt water combine to create an extraordinary aquatic environment.
The deepest and second longest of New Zealand's fiords, Doubtful Sound has some splendid waterfalls, particularly during the wetter seasons.
The only way to reach it from land, is actually is by boat, crossing Lake Manapouri, so of the three Sounds (Dusky and Milford being the other two), Doubtful is the least touristy.
You can expect to get up close and personal with fur seals, pods of bottlenose dolphins and some lucky souls have even sighted the occasional whale and albatross.
Deep within Fiordland National Park lies Milford Sound, New Zealand’s most stunning natural attraction. Soaring snow-capped mountains, ice-carved fiords, waterfalls and lush rainforests - the best way to appreciate Milford Sound is on a cruise.
Top Things to See at Milford Sound:
Evenings on board are filled with music and fun. Enjoy a rousing cabaret show, test your luck at the Casino, step onto the stage for karaoke or simply find a quiet place on deck to revel in the symphony of stars.
Burnie lies on the doorstep of scenic shores, rolling hills and pristine world heritage listed wilderness. This energetic seaside town offers a unique perspective on the world of industry. Once dependent on paper manufacturing, the inventive community has transformed its industry into a compelling art culture.
Top Things to Do in Burnie:
Split into competing halves by the Yarra River, this most European of Australian cities is packed with charms both obvious and hidden. The ‘CBD’ is easily explored via trams and tree-lined sidewalks, most especially on historic Collins Street, where stately Gothic buildings and glittering skyscrapers cast shadows upon well-dressed Melburnians.
Walk the gloriously landscaped Fitzroy Gardens, discover the city’s gold-rush-origins at Melbourne Museum, wander the eclectic offerings at Queen Victoria Market or explore heaps of world-class cafes and shops tucked into cozy, colorful laneways. Melbourne’s diversity abounds in its neighborhoods, from St. Kilda’s bayside promenade to Carlton’s Italian-bisto-laden Lygon Street to the Vietnamese eateries of Richmond.
On your day at sea relax and restore aching muscles, moisturize and rejuvenate your skin, and both strengthen and elevate your body and mind with Regent's holistic array of treatments and services which been thoughtfully developed to promote mental and physical rejuvenation. Indulge in massages, body wraps, facials, manicures, hair services and more, including exclusive treatments curated especially for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
Ships arriving into Sydney typically dock at Circular Quay, or the White Bay Cruise Terminal, slightly farther west. From Circular Quay, you can easily access the iconic Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Garden. Public transport options include trains, buses, and ferries. White Bay passengers can take a shuttle or taxi to reach key attractions like Darling Harbour and The Rocks, known for their shops, restaurants, and historical sites.
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